Nelda Toussaint

MEDINA- Nelda Toussaint, 93, of Medina, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at her home, with her loving family at her side.

She was born on January 28, 1931, in Medina, NY, the daughter of the late Lavern E. and Violet T. (Axtell) Beeton.

Nelda graduated from Medina High School in 1947 at the age of sixteen. She furthered her education at Syracuse University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts in 1951. After graduating from college, she returned to Medina and was employed by Harrison Radiator and married her husband, the late Vernon E. Toussaint in 1956.  She left work in 1959 to raise her family and begin her work as bookkeeper and office manager for her family’s farm, which she did meticulously for the rest of her life.  She also worked as a bookkeeper for the former law office of Milford L. Phinney and then for the law office of Katherine Bogan which she continued to do until early 2024.

Nelda was a lifelong, active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Medina, and an over 20-year member of the Medina School Board, having served on various committees and also as President.  She was a member of the Medina Memorial Hospital’s Association of Twigs, Tuesday Club, and served as the past District Commissioner of Woods Creek Pony Club.

Education was one of Nelda’s passions and even after stepping down from her official capacity on the school board she continued her involvement by attending meetings and serving on the budget committee for a number of years.  Her greatest passion however was her grandchildren and took great pride in their accomplishments, having never missed a concert, recital, athletic event or graduation even throughout their college years.  She loved traveling to exotic locations and had many adventures including traveling to Morocco and riding a camel across the Sahara at age 89. Her active lifestyle also included yoga, water aerobics, and walking with friends.

Nelda is survived by her two children, Jeff (Marcia) Toussaint and Jenifer (Joe) Cardone; six grandchildren, Matthew (Molly), Aaron (Samantha), Andrea Toussaint and Rosalind (Alex) Eaton, Michael, and Sophia Cardone; and three siblings, Warren (Trudy) Beeton, Linda (Klaus) Shigley,  Jay Beeton, and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 3 PM to 7 PM at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 522 Main St. Medina, 14103, with the Pastor, Rev. William Wilkinson, officiating. Burial will be in the Millville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Nelda’s name to the Hospice of Orleans County or the First Presbyterian Church.

Please light a candle or share a memory of Nelda at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com